Seattle songwriter Damien Jurado was one of my first guests when I started doing the Morning Show more than a decade ago. He's also the man behind the show's opening theme song, which I've been playing since those early performances. With each new record, Jurado comes by to perform, either solo or with a different lineup.

This time around, he not only played the best I've ever heard him play, but was backed by an impressive band in support of his amazing new record, Maraqopa. Jurado's backup singers featured members of The Head and the Heart and The Shins, so it was a great representation of what's going on in Seattle. With incredible musicians and a moody, mellow vibe, this creative collaboration made for one of the best sessions ever on the Morning Show.